couch



1956 ca. F. COUCH 2,732,813

FRICTION CONTROLLED RAILWAY TRUCK Filed July 12 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor; Glenn F. Couch FIG. 2

MMJ'

his Attorney Jan. 31, 1956 G. F. COUCH 2,732,313

FRICTION CONTROLLED RAILWAY TRUCK Filed July 12, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

V I6 TF /a i Mr? I -J7 1 1 i FIG.4 E 20 I i l l I l i E l i x 24 27 i 25 I Invemor: Glenn F. Couch 7576 ZE 'IL'F his Attorney United States Patent FRICTION CONTROLLED RAILWAY TRUCK Glenn F. Couch, Buffalo, N. Y., assignor to The Symington-Gould Corporation, Depew, N. Y., a corporation of Maryland Application July 12, 1950, Serial No. 173,318 19 Claims. (Cl. l-197) This invention pertains to a railway truck and more particularly to a friction controlled type thereof.

. An object of the invention is the provision, in a railway truck, of an improved friction means whereby a vertical and transverse movement of a bolster relative to a side frame is positively and definitely controlled.

' Another object of the invention is the provision, in a railway truck, of an improved friction means which not only controls service movements of the bolster but also functions as the sole means for restraining a horizontal angular movement of the bolster relative to the side frame.

A further object of this invention is the provision, in a railway truck, of a novel arrangement and construction of parts which function as snubbing means built into a side frame to disturb vibrations of bolster supporting springs.

The above and numerous other objects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains from a review of the succeeding description considered together with the exemplification of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a partial front or side elevational view and a' partial vertical sectional view of a railway truck 'embodying the present invention.

- Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the railway truck of Figure 1 and considered along the lines 2--2 thereof looking in the direction of'the arrows.

Figure 3 is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of the railway truck, taken on the lines 3-3 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

'Figure 4 is an enlarged elevational view taken on the lines '4-4 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows. x

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on the lines 5--5 of Figure 3 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now in detail to the various figures of the drawings 'wherein like reference characters indicate like parts, the numeral 1 is employed to designate, in a somewhat general manner, a railway truck charact eristic of the present invention. The railway truck is 'made up,

in'part, by a side frame 2 which extends longitudinally o'fthe truck adjacent a side thereof and while only a portion of one side frame is 'illustratedin the drawing it will, of course, be clearly understood that the truck has two such side frames disposed in transverse spaced and parallel relation. The side frame is provided with a usual top or compression member 3 spaced upwardly or vertically, intermediate its ends, from a lower or ten sion member 4. Joining the above-mentioned members intermediate the ends thereof are longitudinally spaced, vertically extending guide columns 5, sometimes herein after termed column or columns, and which define a bolster or 'window opening 6 therebetw'een. A bolster extremity 7 is positioned in an upper area of the window opening in horizontal spaced relation to the adjacent columns and such bolster extremity is a part of aload carrying member or bolster 8 which extends between and through related side frames. In the present structure the bolster extremity is provided with guide lugs 9 overlapping related columns in outer spaced relation thereto with the clear distance, transversely of the truck, between each lug and adjacent column being determinative of the permissible relative transverse movement of the side frame and bolster. The bolster is a vertically movable member because of the pressure of a nest of all coil springs 10 which is interposed between the tension member and bolster extremity. This arrangement is somewhat common. The springs function as a yieldable means whereby external impulses or shocks picked up by the side frame in service will not have the full magnitude thereof imparted to the bolster and hence a car body (not shown) which is supported by the bolster.

While a nest or group of all coil springs is preferred not only for economy reasons but also because of its capacity to pick up and cushion all shocks or vertical external impulses, this type of bolster support if permitted to function without control can prove extremely disserviceable and disadvantageous. This is so because at certain car or train speeds the vibrations of the bolster supporting springs will synchronize with periodic external imp'ulses and thus result in the group or nest being driven solid. It is the office of this application to teach the use of a group of all coil bolster supporting springs; however, the vibrations of the group are brought under definite and positive control by the use of frictional forces as will be hereinafter brought out. Further, because of the fact that each column and vits associated structure is identical or substantial counterparts, the succeeding description will, wherever possible, be limited to a detailed consideration of but one column and its related parts.

The column previously identified by the numeral 5 may be considered in two parts; namely, a lower part 11 and'an upper part 12. However, it will be understood that the column is not only an integral component but also an integral part of the side frame thereby merging with the compression and tension members. The lower part of the column may be, desirably, of conventional conformation and as such includes a transverse vertical web 13 merging at its lateral limits with inner and outer vertical flanges 14 to present a channel-shaped opening toward an end of the side frame when considered in horizontal section. The lower portion, as above indicated, upstands from the tension member of the side frame for a predetermined distance where it is capped or merged with a bottom plate, ledge or shelf 15. This plate or shelf is horizontally disposed and accordingly extends longitudinally of the side frame through the column "and; transversely of the side frame betweeu the inner and outer flanges. Also generally, the bottom-plate, ledge or shelf defines the lower limit or bottom extremity of a passageway or shoe opening 16 formed in the column upper portion. Since the passageway or shoe opening extends entirely through the column in the area: indicated and considered longitudinally of the side frame,it', allo ws the "longitudinal exposition of a defined portrait of the: bolster end. Restricting the passageway laterally are transversely spaced inboard and'outboard flanges 17 and 17a which may, as illustrated, form vertical or upward continuations of the inner and outer flanges, respectively.

Positioned within the passageway and substantially freely movable therein in a shoe 18 which may be also classified as a friction shoe as hereinafter made apparent.

' The shoe has a vertical plate-likestem or inner wall' '1 9 frictional forces on the contiguous brushing and'rubbing' ar aata I! faces to check, control or retard the vibrations of the allcoil bolster supporting springs. As will be noted "by I referring to the drawings at this juncture, the inner wall of the shoe extends into the clear openingof the bolster or window opening and thus the bolster end is held out of contact with the column and no false retarding action takes place. In other words only the prearranged and precalculated frictional forces at the shoe-'bolsterjuncture function as the sole means for controlling the vibrations of .the'bolster supporting springs. The shoe is maintained in elevatedlposition and movably fixed to the column by means of a bed or base plate 22 extending horizontally from the inner wall adjacent a lower extremity thereof. This'bed plate rests or bears vertically against or upon the column shelf. The base plate extends through the passageway at its lower limits and forms, with the inner wall, an angle or 'L-shaped component. Reinforcing the shoe against stresses to which it will be subjected in service are transversely spaced, vertically directed, knee braces or gussets 23 extending inwardly of the passageway or column from the inner wall and base plate.

The side frame executes, during service, what might be considered as a hobby-horse action; that is to say, one end of the side frame will be moved vertically relative to the other end thereof. This action is brought on by a wheel (not shown), associated with an end of the side frame, passing over rail joints, crossovers and other irregularities'in the rails so that a see-saw or hobby horse action is effected. Theoretically, this action should not be transmitted to the bolster because, among many other reasons, oneside frame might rock in a clockwise direction while the companion side frame is rocking in a counter-clockwise direction and if these actions were transmitted to the bolster it is very apparent that torsional stresses would be set up in the bolster against which the bolster may not be reinforced. In order to present a flexible connection between the shelf and shoe, the former is formed with an upwardly exposed, crowned or longitudinally curved or convex surface 24 upon which the shoe bears directly and any vertical rocking motion of the side frame will not be reflected in the shoe and imparted to-the.blster.

ideal condition in structures of this type for good truck action is to offer less frictional resistance during a relative transverse movement between the side frame and bolster than is provided for during a vertical movement of the bolster. This condition is met with the present structure without the intervention or use of any other auxiliary means or components. Toward the fulfillment of theabove, the shoe base plate is provided with a downwardly exposed, crowned or convex face 25 curved transverselyof the side frame or truck. Thisshoe curved face bears'directly-upon the shelf convex surface 24; however, it is disposed normal or at an angle to the supporting shelf surfaceas. clearly illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings. Accordingly, when relative transverse bolster.- side frame movement takes place, the shoe rocks transversely of the truck and a certain amount of slippage between the faces and 21 takes place to effect, what might be considered .a differential slippage Thus, less frictional resistance is offered during atransverse movement of the bQlster than during a vertical movement thereof. It .rnaybe well to point out .atthis juncture that the shoe gussets or knee braces. are inclined inwardly of the shoe to renderthe shoe narrower at the top than at the bottom thereof (see Figure 4) and thus a vertically directed triangular clearance is formed at each side of the shoe to facilitate the shoe rocking action and also to limit such ansxer emc in mot onr B .31 si of he b a ng b e t e c owned sur e 24 and 25 i i be ie ed e sen al to-inc rppra e s me m a -in th al e y ex t g, co pone s to mainta he shoe in a pred rmin d r lat s p w th, t lumn and bolster. 'Various means or instrumentalities offer themselves as adequate for performing this function.

However, it is preferred to provide the shoe with longitudinally spaced teeth 26, one approximately on each side of the column so that the teeth are in alignment longitudinally of the frame or truck and disposed centrally of the shoe considered in a direction transversely of the truck or side frame. These teeth depend from the shoe base plate. The ledge is, accordingly, provided with recesses or slots 27 which in effect form teeth 28 mating with or having positioned therebetween, the shoe teeth and thus this flexible interlock maintains the shoe in a definite fixed relation with the side frame and bolster. This tooth arrangement or interlock also functions as the sole means for restraining a horizontal angular movement of the bolster relative to the side frame and accordingly the truck is restrained against an out-of-square disposition. It will be noted before passing on that the shelf slots are deeper, longitudinally of the truck, than the accommodated shoe teeth and this clearance ispurposely provided so that the shoe may be capable of moving longitudinally of the truck and at all times in-' sure a full value bearing surface between :the faces 20 and 21.

In order to render the above described structure operative for the purpose for which it was designed, the shoe should have a load or force imposed thereon and particularly such a force or load that will result in the shoe being pressed against the bolster end. Toward .the fulfillment of the above the column has outstanding therefrom a spring pocket, casing or housing 29 extending longitudinally of the truck from the column in a-direction away from the side frame bolster opening. This casing or spring pocket opens diagonally or downwardly toward the shelf or bolster and is comprised of the edges of the inboard and outboard flanges merging into reentrant flanges .30 which are spaced transversely of the side frame and extend toward one another inwardly of the side frame for a limited or predetermined distance. These reentrant flanges at their inner extremities are redirected longitudinally of the side frame away from the bolster opening to form terminal flanges 31 and these terminal flanges are tied together at their extremities by a housing spring seat 32. Considering the spring pocket, housing or casing in its vertical aspects the terminal flanges are tied together at their lower extremities by a bottom tie wall 33 and at their upper extremities by a top tie wall 34 to complete the housing. The housing spring seat faces or is exposed downwardly or diagonally toward the shelf or bolster and in diagonal spaced relation thereto, the shoe, at a juncture of the base plate and vertical plate, is provided with an outwardly and diagonally exposed spring seat 35. Positioned in or extending out of the spring pocket or casing is a resilient means or force imposing instrumentality characterized by fasingle coil spring 36 having an axis arranged at a diagonal or at an oblique or acute angle relative to the shelf and bolster. This friction means spring 36 is seated directly upon or bears against the housing and shoe spring seats, and since it is precompressed for ,a given value in assemblage with the housing and shoe, it functions as asimple and positive means for urging the shoe diagonally of the side frame. Further, this spring not only maintains a constant contact between the crowned surfaces 24 and 25 but also the horizontal com ponent insures a constant and at all times full contact between the frictionfaces 20 and 21. v

Some consideration has been given to facilitating a separation of the bolster and side frame in a location away from the convenience and special tools offered by I a shop. Toward this end the outboard flange is provided with a pinch hole 37 which is partially covered by arelated bolster guide lug as clearly illustrated particularly in figure 1. By inserting a pinch bar (not shown) in the pinch hole the bolster, through the necessary and proper "lever action, can be forced toward the oppositeor companion column.

This action will result in .the sheer of that companion column being urged a slight distance inwardly of this column. The shoe base flange has, toward one longitudinal edge thereof intermediate its transverse edges, a knob 38 having a transverse aperture 39 normally partially closed by a related part of the casing. When the shoe has been shifted horizontally from normal position the aperture therein will be substantially clear and by threading a pin (not shown) through this aperture the pin will bridge the casing and function as a temporary lock to hold that particular shoe out of contact with or spaced horizontally from the bolster. By following a like procedure the shoe in the other column can also be temporarily locked in an abnormal position and the side frame and bolster may then be freely separated without fear of the shoes being suddenly released to cause personal injury to an operator.

From the above it will be noted that various changes and. alterations may be made to the illustrated and described construction without departing from the spirit of this invention or scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontal shelf extending longitudinally of said side frame through said column, a pocket in said column in vertically spaced relation with said shelf, a shoe extending through said column, the inner face of said shoe extending vertically and in frictional contact with the vertical side wall of said bolster, means interlocking said shelf and shoe for restraining horizontal angular movement of said shoe relative to said column, and spring means disposed at an oblique angle to said shelf; said spring means extending out of said pocket and urging said shoe along said shelf toward said bolster.

2. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontal ledge extending through said column, a housing in said column opening diagonally toward said bolster, a shoe interposed between said ledge and housing a portion of said shoe extending through said column in supported relation.

with said ledge, another portion of said shoe being adapted to engage the inner wall of said column, a diagonally disposed spring acting between said housing and shoe for urging the latter along said ledge and into friction engagement with said bolster, and means for flexibly interlocking said ledge andshoe for maintaining the latter in squared relation with said bolster and restraining horizontal angular movement of said bolster.

' 3. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontal ledge extending therethrough longitudinally of said side frame, a housing spaced vertically from said ledge the opening therein extending diagonally downward toward the lower face of said bolster, a shoe extending through and beyond said column and bearing vertically against said ledge, spaced movable interlocks between said ledge and shoe for maintaining them in substantially squared relation, a vertical surface on said shoe frictionally engaging a corresponding face on said bolster, and spring means nested in said housing for urging said shoe parallel to said ledge and against said bolster.

4. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontal ledge extending longitudinally of said side frame and defining the lower extremity of an opening, a housing above said ledge and extending toward an ndf'Qf Said side frame from said column; said housing opening diagonally toward. the lower portion of said bolster, a shoe removably mounted on said ledge and locked against substantial horizontal angling relative to-said column, and a spring directed diagonally downward and interposed between said housing and shoe for urging saidshoe parallel to said ledge and into direct frictional engagement with a vertical face on said bolster.

5. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontal shelf defining the lower extremity of a passageway extending therethrough longitudinally of said side frame, a closed ended housing above said shelf and extending toward an end of said said frame from said column, said housing opening diagonally downward toward said bolster, a shoe extending through said passageway and interlocked with said shelf, and spring means seated within said housing and acting diagonally and against said shoe for urging the latter parallel to said shelf and into direct frictional contact with a vertical face of said bolster.

6. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontal ledge defining a vertical extremity of a passageway extending therethrough longitudinally of said side frame, a closed ended housing spaced vertically from said ledge and extending toward an end of said side frame from said column, said housing opening diagonally downward toward said bolster, a shoe seated on said ledge and extending through said column passageway, a vertically extending face on said shoe in frictional contact with said bolster, and diagonally disposed spring means acting between said housing and shoe for urging the latter parallel to the face of said ledge and against said bolster.

7. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a passageway extending therethrough longitudinally of said side frame, a horizontal plate defining a vertical limit of said passageway, a housing formed integral with said column and extending therefrom toward an end of said side frame, said housing opening diagonally into said passageway and toward said bolster, a shoe rockably mounted on said plate within said passageway and frictionally engaging said bolster, and diagonally disposed springs means in said'housing and seated on said shoe for urging the latter parallel to said plate toward said bolster.

movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a

column of said side frame having a passageway extending entirely therethrough, a horizontal plate defining a vertical limit of said passageway, a housing spaced vertically from said plate and extending from said column toward an end of said side frame, a shoe movable longitudinally of said side frame and extending through said passageway, means at ends of said passageway for locking said shoe against substantial horizontal angular movement relative to said column, and spring means acting diagonally and against spaced seats in said housing and shoe for urging said shoe parallel to the face of said plate into frictional engagement with said bolster 9. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a passageway extending entirely therethrough, a plate defining a vertical limit of said passageway, a housing opening diagonally toward said; bolster, a shoe'extending horizonally through said pas 10.'In a railway truck'ofa type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontally directed" plate intermediate the height thereof, a housing on'said column-spaced from and directed diagonally toward the lower'edgeof said bolster, a shoe extending through said column, mating means on said shoe and plate restraining horizontal angular movement of said shoe relative to said column, a convex surface on said shoe 'bearing'upon said plate for affording a vertical angular movement of said shoe relative to said side frame, and spring means in said housing and'bearing against said shoe for urging said shoe horizontally parallel to said plate into frictional contact with said bolster side wall.

11. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable sideframe and bolster, the combination of, a column of said side frame having a horizontally directed shelf intermediate the height thereof, a pocket outstanding from said column toward an extremity of said side frame and directed diagonally toward said bolster in vertically spaced relation to said shelf, a shoe in said column and interlocked with said shelf to restrain horizontal angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, a crowned surface on said shoe bearing against said shelf to afford vertical angular movement of said shoe relative to said column, a vertically disposed face on said shoe in frictional contact with said bolster, and diagonally directed spring means acting from said pocket against said shoe for constantly urging the latter horizontally along said shelf toward said bolster.

12. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a horizontal ledge in a column of said side frame, a housing outstanding from said column toward an extremity of said side frame, said housing being formed integrally with said column and opening diagonally downward toward the bottom edge of said bolster, means on said shoe and ledge restraining horizontal angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, a crowned surface on said shoe bearing against said ledge affording vertical angling of said shoe relative to said side frame, a vertical face on said shoe in frictional bearing relation with a corresponding face on said bolster, a diagonally disposed spring seat in said shoe, and spring means within said housing and bearing against said spring seat for urging said shoe parallel to said ledge toward said bolster.

13. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a passageway extending longitudinally of said side frame through a column thereof, a shelf defining a lower extremity of said passageway, a housing outstanding from said column above said shelf, a shoe in said passageway, horizontally spaced means on said shoe and shelf restraining horizontal angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, a crowned surface on said shelf supporting shoe for affording a vertical angular movement of said side frame relative to said shoe and bolster, a vertical face on said shoe in frictional contact with said bolster, a coil spring having an axis diagonally V disposed and ends seated on said housing and shoe for horizontal direction from said column and opening diagonally toward said passageway, a shoe in said passageway extending through said column, means locking said shoe to said shelf for restraining horizontal angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, a vertical surface on said shoe spaced from said column and frictionally contacting said bolster, means on said shelf affording vertical angling movement of said shoe relative to Said side frame, spring seats in said housing and shoe, and a coil spring bearing against said spring seats urging, said shoe in a diagonal direction away from said housing.

15. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a

horizontally directed shelf in a column of said side frame, a shoe in said column mounted upon said shelf, interlocking teeth on said shelf and shoe restraining-horizontal angular movement of said shoe relative to said column, a housing formed integrally with said column and opening diagonally toward said bolster, means on said shelf and shoe affording vertical angular movement of said shoe relative to saidcolumn, and spring means having an axis disposed diagonally; said spring means acting against said housing and shoe for urging the latter along said shelf and into frictional contact with said bolster.

16. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a horizontally extending shelf in a column of said side frame, a shoe within said column and supported by said shelf, horizontally spaced interlocking means on said shoe and shelf for restraining horizontal angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, engaging means on said shoe and shelf for affording vertical angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, means outstanding from said column and spaced vertically above said shelf, a vertically disposed face on said shoe spaced horizontally from said column on a side opposed from said outstanding means, and a coil spring having its axis disposed diagonally; said coil spring acting against said outstanding means and shoe for urging the latter parallel to and into frictional contact with said bolster.

17. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a shelf in a column of said side frame, a shoe within said column and carried by said shelf, horizontally spaced I interlocking means on said shoe and shelf for restraining horizontal angling movement of said shoe relative to said column, a spring seat spaced horizontally from said column and positioned diagonally of said side frame, a spring seat on said shoe opposed to and facing said first named spring seat, a vertical face on said shoe spaced inwardly of said side frame from said column, and a coil spring seated on said spring seats for urging said shoe parallel to said shelf and said vertical face into frictional contact with a corresponding face of said bolster.

18. In a railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster, the combination of, a shelf in a column of said side frame, a shoe projecting through said column, means on said shelf and shoe for restraining horizontal angular movement of said shoe relative'to said column, contacting means on said shoe and shelf affording vertical angular movement of said shoe relative to said column, a vertical face on said shoe exposed inwardly of said side frame and spaced horizontally from said column, a spring seat spaced from and carried by said column, said spring seat being above said shelf and being exposed diagonally of said side frame, a spring seat on said shoe said last named seat being parellel to said first named spring seat, and a coil spring acting between and against said spring seats for urging said shoe parallel to said shelf and said vertical face into frictional contact with said bolster.

19. Ina railway truck of a type having a relatively movable side frame and bolster said frame having spaced bolster guide columns, the combination of, a ledge in v a column of said side frame and having a crowned surface, a shoe projecting through said column and having a convex surface bearing upon said crowned surface of said ledge, one of said surfaces being convex longitudinally and said other surface being convex transversely of said side frame for affording vertical angling movement of said shoe longitudinally and transversely of said side frame relative to said column, interlocking means on said shoe and ledge for restraining horizontal angling movement of said shoe' relative to said column, a vertical face on said shoe spaced toward said bolster from said column, a spring seat carried by said column facing diagonally toward said shoe, a spring seat within said shoe facing diagonally toward said first named spring seat, a coil spring having an axis disposed diagonally to the vertical and having ends bearing against said spring seats for urging said shoe parallel to said ledge and said ver- 5 tical face into frictional contact with said bolster; frictional forces at said vertical face-bolster juncture being considerably less during a transverse movement of said bolster than during a vertical movement thereof, and means for holding said shoe away from said bolster when 10 desired.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Gillespey Dec. 8, Davidson July 4, Light Jan. 9, Light Feb. 6, Bath a- July 16, Tucker June 17, Olander Aug. 19, Schlegel Jan. 4, Oelkers Mar. 21, 

